FINCHforum

I was wondering if there is a generally optimum time to purchase birds from Bird Fairs? In my area there is a bird fair almost every other month.

If I wanted to get some Finches when would the best time of the year be for the best overall selection and variety?

I don't know why I am asking this....I can't get more Finches at this time but I guess I just like to torture myself...lol!

I think you want to buy finches at about 3 months after the end of the breeding season. I have noticed 2 breeding seasons, late fall/early winter and late spring/early summer. So in my opinion, Feb and Aug are optimum times to buy. Reason is because most of the babies from the breeding season have turned into adults. And most gouldians from 2 breeding cycles back will have adult plumage at this point. With the number of birds available being greater, competition for sales is up and you can get good deals.

I did notice a trend this year in gouldian pricing. For normals, prices were about 75-80 a piece in Feb. They were near 50 dollars by end of the summer. I am interested to see what pricing is this coming Feb again.

There are a few theories on this.

Some say it is best in the spring when breeders are over loaded with chicks...can get some good deals.
Others say it is best before winter... Breeders cutting back on their flock ... they have now decided on which ones they will retain for spring breeding. and they sell off the rest to cut expense over the winter. Again good deal but usually pet quality birds (not important unless you are showing)

Then you have to consider the breeders schedule. I have some birds that breed under normal season conditions and then some that are kept indoors with artificial lights, heat, etc. coupled with austere diets these breeding times can be considerably different.

Also one must consider that if keeping in an outdoor aviary plenty of acclimation time to the elements must be given.

So my conclusion is, It is always a good time to buy birds

When I was breeding/buying hookbills I found the best time was Spring. The breeders had more babies, more selection. In Florida it is hot all the time so birds can breed all yr round.

When I lived up north in Jersey, the prime time to buy was late Spring early summer since the breeders usually rested their birds during the winter.

Another time to buy would be early fall, that is when the breeders would allow one more clutch before winter.

I haven't followed the finch breeding season yet but will and watch for changes in the market in Florida.

Thanks for all the advice. It sounds like the region of the country makes a difference on availability. I suppose being I live in MN....spring is a better time for going to a bird fair overall.

Another question comes to mind.....If you see a bird you really want at the bird fair...is it best to get it right away or wait till later and try to barter the price down a bit? Or maybe bartering is frowned upon?

Deborah,
I think at marts whether it be a bird mart, flea mart sellers are always open to bartering, trading, haggling...... I am just not good at doing that. I always pay too much at yard sales because I look at the price and either but it or not. My husband on the other hand ...he gets some goood deals.
One time I was at a bird show and their were goldbreast at $80.00 a pair. Hubby said how much for all 5 pairs? the guy and my husband went back and forth and we got the birds... the only goldbreast i the entire place on the morning of the first day for $300 with the cage they were in included So I always take Hubby with me Just kidding, I take him for the company.

So if you are a barterer...go for it. I think the vendors who don't barter will just say no...I am sure they are use to it and won't get their feelings hurt. When I sell I will gladly negotiate prices...especially if I feel they are going to a good home.

Deborah, when I sell at the marts, I usually don't come down in price until late in the day, except when I get a good feeling about someone, then I would rather come down and have them take one of my birds home. Some people wait till late in the day and try to get bargains. One man at the Ft. Worth mart was buying up birds really cheap, then he took them to the next mart to resell.

I would rather take the birds home than let them go to the wrong person. It all depends on how badly the seller wants to move the birds, too. It never hurts to offer a lower price, and most sellers would not be insulted at all. The one tip I would offer is that if you find a bird you really want, and the vendor doesn't have lots of them, you take a chance that the bird will no longer be there when you come back. I sold all my Owls before noon at the last mart, so when someone came back to my table, it was too late.

If you are looking for say Gouldians, and there are lots of vendors with lots of Gouldians, then you can take your time, shop around, barter, whatever. If you are looking for say Lavenders, and you spot just one vendor that has a few, that would be the time to snap them up (if they look good and healthy, of course).

Anytime of the year is good for me. I am always ready to buy birds.


In reference to deals: Prices at the bird fair last week were reduced from 5-10 dollars ea on the finches. With the reduction the birds I bought came to $110.00. I asked if she would take $100 and she said yes. Although I did buy birds from her the day before at her asking price, which was already a bargain in my book.

[quote="JohnBoy"]Anytime of the year is good for me. I am always ready to buy birds.




Ok, my husband would agree, if there is a bird fair nearby, I want to go!!!!

Cage in hand ~ ready to leave, I'll be in the car!

don't know if anyone mentioned, but if your planning on keeping them outdoors its best to buy them in summer so they can acclimatise naturally, indoors i don't think there would be a specific time of year ?
JMO